Ethos is one’s ability to present information to a specific audience by showing that you know the subject matter. This allows your audience to trust your argument and your claims. Logos is the tool used to push your argument with logic and common sense. Instead of bringing your conclusion to your audience, with logos, they are prompted to find the conclusion on their own. Pathos is how you attract an audience by pulling at their emotions. This method helps them go a step further, from processing your argument analytically to connecting with it on a deeper level. If you know your audience, you’re able to gauge which method works to push your claims and resonate with them. Your argument will be advantageous and have a chance to leap off the pages and into the world for actual change. 

 

Argument: Healthcare should be free for everyone.

Ethos – In such a time as this, when our people’s health is at risk just by stepping outside, having access to medical treatment should not be a doubt in their minds. As a doctor, I can’t keep track of the number of people that come into the hospital every day and have to leave because they don’t have good healthcare, and they can’t afford treatment. The need is real.    

Logos – This nation has an obligation to look after its people and lend a hand out to those that cannot help themselves. By denying Americans free healthcare, our government is doing a disservice to what we stand for. Two years ago, 8.5% of our country was without healthcare. That’s 27.5 million Americans with absolutely no financial security over their health.

Pathos – The struggle of this reality transcends statistics. In my life, I’ve known what’s it’s like to not have financial stability and grow up with a mother dealing with mental illness. The fear always lingered of her not being able to receive the medication that she desperately needed or get the medical attention she needed in a severe manic episode. it’s disheartening to live with that fear. No one should ever experience that.